After tooth extraction, avoid oranges and other acidic citrus fruits for at least 5 days, as their acidity can irritate the wound and slow healing.
The extraction site creates an open wound in your gums. Citrus fruits contain high levels of ascorbic acid, which can cause discomfort and potentially disrupt blood clot formation-a critical part of healing. The American Dental Association recommends avoiding acidic foods to prevent irritation.
After my wisdom teeth removal, I made the mistake of drinking orange juice too soon. The acidity caused sharp pain and prolonged my recovery. Now, I always wait at least a week before reintroducing citrus.